Pastor’s Message

Over the last few weeks, I have had many conversations with people regarding eldership. These have ranged from who to nominate to what the criteria are and, of course, the most contentious issue, can women be in the eldership? I would like to thank everyone who has either nominated or accepted the nomination for eldership. I recognise the gravity of the task at hand, and I know you do not take it lightly.

What I want to do is to spell out what we believe at HCC regarding women in leadership/eldership. I have published a longer paper if you would like to read it.

This has always been a contentious issue, not just in the church, but in many spheres of life. The church seems to bear the brunt of having to explain its stand on women. This is due to scriptures that have been “perceived” to be against women and the application of those scriptures by those leading churches over the years. The cultural norm today is to push for equality and diversity in all areas of life in search of Utopia, i.e., individual autonomy and equality at any price in pursuit of happiness.

With that in mind, the aim of this paper is not to offer THE answer but to offer AN explanation of where we stand as a congregation. We recognise in humility that not everyone will share this position, but we would like to show how we have come to the conclusion we have. This is a summary of the larger document, in which we…

• Do an in-depth analysis of the stances held by the two main positions on women in leadership. Complementarian and egalitarian

• Show a clear path of gifting and calling given by God in the New Testament.

• Show clearly the role of men in this conversation.

• Do a clear and proper exegesis on the passages in the New Testament regarding women in leadership and the words of Paul.

• Give a cultural commentary on our current cultural moment.

• Give a conclusion on where we stand as a congregation.

I believe strongly that our stance is scripturally based. We are not looking to have “equal representation” or a “progressive/liberal theology" in our congregation. We aim to be faithful to scripture and draw out how Old Testament writers, Jesus in the gospels, and Paul in his writings interacted with "women regarding leadership”. We hope this will help shed some light on the decisions we take as a congregation.

After making a comprehensive comparison of the complementarian vs. egalitarian viewpoint, here is one main conclusion.

LEVEL GROUND AT THE CROSS.

There are two main views on this. Complementarians (male-only eldership) and egalitarians. (Male and Female Eldership)

Complementarians should not be broadly viewed as stubborn traditionalists with narrow biblical views, nor as those thinking women are not equally valuable. Equally, egalitarians should not be broadly viewed as liberals who hold the authority of scripture loosely, nor as those thinking women do not provide a complementary role in the Body of Christ.

At Halswell Community Church, we value all people. We subscribe to the egalitarian view of scripture and aim to give equal opportunity for leadership to both males and females as long as they fit the leadership qualification criteria (set out in the Elders' qualification document).

We do not look down on/disagree with the complementarians. Their interpretations of scripture are not wrong; we just choose to be egalitarian.

This path is inspired by scripture, not the trends of the day. Our aim is not to give “equal opportunity to both sexes” neither is it to make sure “every gender/culture/minority group is represented adequately". We seek to be determinately countercultural but fully scriptural and God-centred.

We have thoughtfully embraced our commitment to scripture, and we aim to be faithful to that, not the cultural trends. We aim to serve God with an attitude of humility, just like Christ, and we hope that those who serve approach these positions with the same attitude, whether men or women. 

Our study on Galatians continues; this week we are on Galatians 5. A conclusion from our study in the last part of Galatians 4 last week.

• God's metrics do not consider fairness; they consider obedience. 

• When we choose our own way, we end up being slaves to the very thing that promised freedom. (baboon video) Addictions, mental health

• True restoration and freedom come from obedience

• Law and grace cannot co-exist; it's Jesus or nothing.

Join us this week as we shift our attention to how we translate living by grace into loving well.

Have a confident week,

Mato

Community

Our AGM is coming up on Sunday. There is a lot to cover this year for the AGM.

Here is a reminder of the agenda.

• Welcome and Prayer

• Ministry reports (Elders, Financial, Youth, Admin, Children, Pastors) These will be submitted before, so we will have had a look, and we will have a chance for any questions arising.

• Ratifying the HCC constitution

• Appreciating the outgoing eldership team

• Introducing the nominated Elders. (Rob & Kathy McAuley, Tim & Lizzie Hodge, Matt McFedries, Richard Howe). In order to be the new elders, they have to be ratified by a 2/3 majority.

• Praying for the Elders

• Introducing the Halswell Community Church Trust and praying for the trustees

• AOB and final prayers

Attached to our newsletter this week is a link to our pastors report.

Giving

Halswell Community Church

Account Number: 06-0601-0867216-00

Reference: Tithe/Offering Particulars: Your Name